[EBB Sightings] Valle Vista, Moraga

For those who haven't visited Valle Vista since the rains, it's a very
interesting moment: what is normally exposed marsh is completely underwater.

In Sunday's rain, numbers weren't high but species on the water included a
male Wood Duck (working the far water's edge), and at least 2 highly audible
Loons (seen from a distance, no species i.d.).

Back at the Valle Vista parking area, 2 Ash-Throated Flycatchers worked the
trees beyond the picnic tables, with a male Acorn Woodpecker.  Add to that
the stunning Western Bluebird bringing food to a nestbox immediately across
the road...and it was quite a scene.

A casual gleaning of other species included:
White Pelican (1)
Pied-Billed Grebe
Gadwall
Mallard
Cormorant
Coot
G. Egret
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
American Kestrel
Belted Kingfisher
Brown Creeper 
Black Phoebe
Anna's Hummingbird

Take the Orinda exit and follow Moraga Way to where it dead ends at Canyon
Road and turn right. The Valle Vista Staging Area will be on your left. This
is EBMUD property, and permits are required.  In fact, as we were preparing
to leave, park police pulled into the lot and confirmed that we had a
permit. Permits are readily available:
http://www.ebmud.com/services/recreation/east_bay/trails/

Lory Poulson
Richmond